PPA spending $28M to spruce up 'gateway' garage

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has started a $28 million project to repair and beautify an outdated parking structure at 8th and Filbert streets.

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that the 1,222-space garage hasn't been updated since the 1960s. PPA officials hope to make it — and the surrounding storefronts — look more inviting.

The garage as it looks today. (Google StreetView)

"The condition of the stores were absolutely horrific," said Nacima Boukenna, a senior director at PPA. "As a gateway to Center City, it's absolutely horrific. Once you get off of the highway, you go through this terrible street."

The architects for the redesign, WRT Architects, a Philadelphia firm, decided upon a wavy, metallic glass facade.